Are you an experienced land use planner ready to take the next step in your career? Come work with us! The Department of Local Services is hiring a Senior Long Range Land Use Planner (Project/Program Manager III). We're looking for a motivated and skilled professional to support long-range land use policy, code updates, and subarea planning projects that will shape the future of unincorporated King County.

In this role, you'll contribute to the development of land use policies and zoning codes that reflect community values and respond to both regional and countywide needs. Your work will support planning efforts that connect land use, permitting, housing, and environmental goals across diverse urban and rural communities. You'll engage with community members, team members, and leadership to gather input, analyze data, manage projects, and help draft policy and legislation. Strong community engagement skills are essential, especially the ability to build trust, facilitate inclusive conversations, and create accessible materials for a wide range of audiences. Proficiency with GIS is desired as we use spatial data to support policy development, visualize planning scenarios, and communicate complex information clearly. Experience developing graphics, maps, and other public-facing materials — including presentations and digital content — is a plus. Our work is rooted in equity, guided by the King County Comprehensive Plan, and informed by community voices — especially those from historically underrepresented groups.

We're seeking a planner and project manager with experience working in complex environments and delivering meaningful plans, policies, and codes. Strong communication, organizational skills, and an understanding of how planning approaches differ in urban and rural settings are key to success in this role. Some evening and weekend meetings, including public presentations, are part of this position. You'll collaborate with DLS colleagues, the Office of Regional Planning, and partner agencies to support inclusive, thoughtful, and forward-looking planning efforts.

Job Duties

Applying equity, racial, and social justice principles is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all King County employees. In this role, you will apply equity and social justice principles that exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices to all aspects of the work.

Planning & Project Management

• Develop land use policy and code amendments for the Department of Local Services which includes the Director's Office, Permitting Division, and Road Services Division, collaborating with colleagues across King County government.
• Undertake and lead subarea planning projects in both rural and urban unincorporated areas, continuously refining processes to improve outcomes for communities.
• Serve as a technical resource on subarea planning and provide expertise on specific plan content, including executing land use and zoning amendments.
• Develop code amendments to address land use, housing, environment, and the range of services provided by King County.
• Coordinate closely with planners and professionals from the King County Permitting Division, Roads Division, Office of Regional Planning, and other departments.

Community Engagement & Equity

• Develop and implement innovative public engagement and communications strategies to foster meaningful dialogue with diverse communities.
• Undertake equity-focused analysis and engagement, including work with Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color, as well as other underrepresented groups, to develop inclusive plans and policies.

Research, Writing & Policy Development

• Prepare clear, accurate, and logically sound written materials, including legislative materials for consideration by elected leaders.
• Conduct thorough research and analysis using demographic, financial, and geographic data to inform planning and policy decisions.
• Collaborate with department staff to draft and review legislation, policies, and reports.
• Assist in resolving legal issues related to proposed legislation, in partnership with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the King County Executive's Office, and King County Council staff.
• Ensure consistency between King County Comprehensive Plan policies and related regulations, and support updates to the Comprehensive Plan as needed.

Ongoing Coordination & Support

• Stay informed on land use trends, activities, legislation, and other key issues affecting unincorporated areas.
• Provide staff support for interdepartmental and interjurisdictional teams, as well as community outreach efforts.
• Work cooperatively with colleagues and external partners to address project-related challenges.

Professionalism & Customer Service

• Manage individual workload effectively, adapting to shifting priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service and uphold the reputation of King County and the department.
• Fulfill commitments to customers and stakeholders with integrity and respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from county residents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.